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This week, Relevant music, Let’s go -
Does music today have the same relevance in the wake of turbulence as it once did in the 60’s and 70’s? As the country deals with the case of Derek Chauvin on trial for the murder of George Floyd is there one song that sums up how some of us feel? What about the pandemic, those crazy elections, and what’s going on in Georgia now? If that song exists, is it a universal runaway hit like a “War,” by Edwin Starr, the timeless “What’s going on” by Marvin Gaye, or even “Respect Yourself” by the Staple Singers? Is that even possible today? If it were, who has a multi genre appeal to reach the masses and it be a hit song by today's standards? Those of you who are artists do you think you could be the voice of the people, of your city or community in song, poetry or a good story?
To be fair, songs like Glory by Common and John Legend, and Letter to the Free, again, by Common and Bilal did win mass appeal and topped the charts. Glory hit #11 and got an Oscar and Letters to the Free did indeed win an Emmy. So is Common the lyrical profit of our time that Curtis Mayfield was in his day? How about songs like Sweeter by Leon Bridges, or 2020 Riots Trey Songz? And yes there are others, but probably the one that hit the hardest and got the most attention was from 13 year old Keedron Bryant, I just want to live. After this internet sensation racked up several million views, likes and shares, Warner signed him and gave 100% of the profits to the NAACP. This then continues the age old question of; does art imitate life, or does life imitate art? Back in the day, Marvin and ‘nem charted and can still be considered relevant 40 years later. Will any of these newer songs be full on anthems 40 years from now? Well here’s the obvious, This is America! And in keeping with the theme of this blog, this one did chart #1 on the Billboard charts for Childish Gambino. So let’s dig deep, stay focused and keep making good relevant music, poems, books and stories that can speak for generations.
This week's Independent Artists of the Week, Kent Ellingson, featured at The virtual Jazz Jam at Jazz Becuzz tonight Tuesday at 8:30 CST on Facebook and YouTube live.
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